The basics of booklet and binding types
When you start planning your books, newspapers, brochures and so on, there are a few points to bear in mind. What format should you choose and what should the layout look like? Which type of paper is best suited to your print product? How should you have them bound? The last question in particular often raises a lot of questions. To help you get the most out of your print job, we’ve summarised everything you need to know in our guide to booklet and binding types!
Why is choosing the right binding method important?
Of course, you could simply choose the cheapest option for your print product. However, the type of stitching or binding you choose affects not only the appearance and durability, but also the reading experience. Each type of stitching or binding has its own way of opening and influences how your readers hold and perceive the printed material in their hands. So always try to imagine how it would feel for you to read a book or magazine with that particular type of stitching or binding.
Types of stapling and binding explained
So that you don’t have to worry about stitching and binding methods when placing your next order, we’ve summarised everything you need to know about the most common types here:
Thread sewing
The Thread sewing is known as one of the most durable binding methods. The folded sheets of paper are sewn together with thread at the centre of the fold. This not only makes books and brochures more durable, but also gives them a higher-quality appearance.
Staple binding
With staple stitching – also known as wire or saddle stitching – the sheets of paper are stapled together along the fold using wire staples. To ensure the printed material remains securely bound over the long term, the stapling is carried out from the outside inwards. Staple stitching is one of the more cost-effective types of binding.
Ring-stitched binding
Ring-eyelet binding and saddle stitching use the same process as staple binding. The only difference here is the staples used. These have a small loop – known as a ring eyelet – which allows the printed item to be filed in ring binders or file folders at a later date.
Adhesive binding
The Adhesive binding is a classic binding method. In this process, the edges of the sheets of paper are milled down, exposing the paper fibres. The edges are then bonded together using adhesive. The milling process creates a larger surface area, which ensures a strong adhesive bond. This binding method is particularly popular for books with a large number of pages or for large print runs. In the case of magazines, adhesive binding is mostly used for high-quality publications.
Thread sealing
Thread-sealing is a combination of thread stitching and adhesive binding. In the first step, plastic-coated thread staples are applied to the spines of the individual sheets of paper and fused to them. The individual sheets of paper are then glued together. Thread sealing is therefore highly durable, but it is also one of the more labour-intensive processes. Consequently, this type of binding is now rarely used.
Flatbook
With flatbook binding, the sheets of paper are glued together across their entire surface, thereby forming the individual pages of the book. The special feature here is that the book can be opened flat across its entire surface. This allows for continuous double-page spreads without being interrupted by a central fold. Flatbooks are often used for children’s books or menus.
Spiral binding
The Spiral binding is very popular. To achieve this, the individual pages are punched at the sides and a spiral is screwed into the resulting holes. This creates a durable binding that prevents pages from falling out. The spirals are often available in various materials, designs and colours. This type of binding is particularly suitable for user manuals or training materials.
Book screws
Loose sheets can be bound together using book screws. The individual sheets are perforated along one side (3 to 4 holes) and ‘screwed’ together using the book screws. As the binding can be undone at any time, replacing sheets at a later date is no problem. Consequently, book screws are recommended for menus, for example.
